Date of Service:
November 04, 2025
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Captain William “Bill” Vazquez, 95, of North Hutchinson Island/Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at Treasure Coast Hospice in Fort Pierce.
Bill was predeceased by his sons, William Mark Vazquez, Esq., and Jeffrey Peter Vazquez, and by his wife of 28 years, Gail Arlene Vazquez (née Gagstetter).
He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Elizabeth Pozniak (née Baglio), his devoted daughter Dr. Andrea Lauren Vazquez (Gilberto Rivera Jr.) and his cherished sisters, Adela Andonopoulis (Philip) and Ramona Frano (Martin). He will be dearly missed by the extended Baglio/Pozniak and Gagstetter/Ippolito families.
Through his marriage to Barbara, Bill’s family grew to include his beloved stepchildren: Capt. Adam Christian Pozniak (Bobby Plasencia), Mary Lynn Ninesling (Shawn), and RJ Pozniak (Elizabeth Smith).
Bill was a proud grandfather to Dr. Christopher Hauser, William Matthew Vazquez, Christian Martin, Raúl Pozniak, Ana Berrio, Tre Pozniak, William Ninesling, and Mary Taylor Ninesling; and a great-grandfather to Hayden Moore, Callum Hauser, and Isabella Vazquez.
Born in East New York, Brooklyn, to Pedro and Concetta Vazquez (née Ippolito), Bill attended George Westinghouse Vocational High School, where he developed trade skills and learned to play the saxophone—an instrument that remained close to his heart throughout his life.
A proud U.S. Air Force Veteran, Bill served as a “Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Specialist” in the Arctic on Frobisher Bay (Baffin Island, Northwest Territories), during the Korean War. His duties were a vital part of the North American Cold War defensive perimeter, contributing to surveillance and communications in the Arctic, a role separate from the direct combat communications in Korea. During his time in the Arctic, he was also inducted into “The Royal Order of the Blue Nose.”
Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a TV repairman and soon had his own shop. He then worked as a door-to-door salesman which led to a successful career in insurance. Known for his charm and wit—“he could sell ice to an Eskimo”—Bill became a principal partner at Associated Business Coverage (ABC Insurance) in Valley Stream, New York.
He raised his sons in Babylon and Freeport, New York, and lived for many years in Island Park before retiring to Jupiter, Florida.
Bill was a natural entertainer with a lifelong love of music, magic and laughter. Outgoing and endlessly curious, he spoke English, Spanish, Italian, and some Yiddish, and enjoyed exploring new cultures and cuisines. His travels took him across Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. In the early 2000’s, Bill traveled abroad with Andrea to Alicante for several months to study Spanish language and culture. He also accompanied her to attend a conference on psychoanalysis in China. Bill and Barbara explored many destinations via cruise ship and were always up to an adventure. Their trips to Sicily allowed them to reconnect with beloved family and learn more about their roots.
An avid fisherman and licensed boat Captain, Bill loved spending time on the water aboard his boats “Choo-Chee,” “My Lady,” and “Polisea” (the Hatteras he was so proud of). In later years, he downsized to a pontoon boat (“Jolly Roger”), which allowed Bill and Barbara to continue to enjoy light fishing and explore the local waterways together with friends and family.
A true tinkerer and inventor, Bill could fix almost anything at his workbench, proudly declaring, “The difficult I make look easy… the impossible just takes a little longer.”
Later in life, Bill embraced the Roman Catholic faith, inspired by Barbara’s devotion and peace of spirit. Together, they prayed the Rosary and attended virtual Mass daily, as well as regularly at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Fort Pierce.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Fort Pierce on Tuesday, November 4th, at 10:00 a.m.
Live Stream of the Mass will be accessible via: https://stanastasiachurch.org/church
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Bill’s memory to your favorite charity, Treasure Coast Hospice, or St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Hugh & Fatima Arthur - Friend
October 31, 2025, 2:07 pm
A Life Well Lived!
Joseph Ronca - Nephew
October 31, 2025, 2:07 pm
Uncle Bill will be deeply missed. I will always remembered the summer BBQs in Island Park where he was always the life of the party and the Sax always made an appearance for some lively tunes. He will always remain close in my heart as he was always there when any family needed him. May he rest in eternal peace. Until we meet again.
Pete & Eva Ronca - Nephew /Niece
October 31, 2025, 3:23 pm
Uncle Bill (Willie), He had such a zest for life. Always the joker. I will always remember how he made our Marianna laugh from his jokes & Magic acts. I will always cherish the memory’s of spending time on his boats in Long Island & then Florida. taking us & our daughter out deep sea fishing. He was our go-to for advice on any subject. He was truly the family’s Consigliere. We will always Love You. We’ll miss You, Uncle Willie.
Christian Martin - Grandson
October 31, 2025, 4:41 pm
A life thoroughly well lived–in all of his adventures as well as all of the other lives he touched. Thanks for taking good care of our Mema. We will catch up with you later on! Love.
Mary-Lynn Ninesling
November 2, 2025, 6:30 pm
Bills sweet mischievous smile will always be remembered. He made everyone feel like family “ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO BILL, O LORD. AND LET PERPERUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM”
Sarah Smith/Chris Comerford - In laws
November 3, 2025, 12:54 am
This is a beautiful tribute to Bill. We will always remember his wonderful stories, his saxophone skills, his ability to fix everything, and his charm. A life well-lived. Sending love and condolences to Barb, Andrea and the rest of the family- with love, Sarah and Chris
Juan Alberto Cabrera - Gilberto’s uncle
November 3, 2025, 6:15 pm
May Bill’s memories continue continue on thru all the good dees he did for all of us, before his calm departure on to his physical rest. Bill you would certainly be missed by all of us who were privileged to know you and of the good life that the Almighty allowed you to live!!! (With all of my Christian love: Tio Juanito aka: Juan Alberto Cabrera, Gilberto’s uncle)
Ippolito-Marretta’s family - Italian side of the family
November 4, 2025, 2:43 pm
We all remember Uncle Bill for his pure smile and sincere heart. We are, and always will be, deeply grateful for his genuine interest in discovering the roots that connect us as a family. We mourn his loss, but we’re sure he’s already watching over us from where God has welcomed him — in the Brightest Place of all. Our prayers and love go to the whole family, especially to our dear Barbara and sweet Andrea.